Is the Super Visa a Good Alternative to the PGP?

On May 21st, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) reopened. This marks the fourth year that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will choose eligible applicants from the 2020 pool. New sponsors haven't had a chance to apply since then.

For those who can't sponsor through the PGP, the Super Visa offers another option. Both programs help Canadians bring their parents and grandparents to Canada, but they have key differences.

Availability

• PGP: Opens once a year with limited spots. Applicants are chosen randomly through a lottery.
• Super Visa: Open all year. Applications are accepted anytime, making it easier to get approved.
  
  

Eligibility

• PGP:
• Submit a form on IRCC's website in 2020.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
• Be 18 or older and live in Canada.
• Meet income requirements and provide proof.
• Promise to support the sponsored person for 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
  
  
• Super Visa:
• Apply from outside Canada.
• Have a Canadian host who meets income requirements.
• Show proof of relationship and the host’s status in Canada.
  
  

Both programs require the sponsored person to be medically and criminally admissible.

Outcomes

• PGP: Grants permanent residence, allowing parents or grandparents to live in Canada indefinitely.
• Super Visa: Grants temporary resident status, allowing stays up to five years at a time, with possible extensions up to seven years.
  
  

Costs

• PGP:
• Principal applicant: $1,205 CAD.
• Spouse/partner: $1,210 CAD.
• Super Visa:
• Single or multiple entry visa: $100 CAD.
• Family of five: $500 CAD.
• Additional fees for extending stay or restoring status.
  
  

Conclusion

The Super Visa is a flexible alternative to the PGP, offering year-round applications and longer stays. While it doesn't grant permanent residence, it allows families to be together in Canada for extended periods. Consider the differences in availability, eligibility, outcomes, and costs to decide which program works best for your family.